Connect with us

Business

Dangote Cement Empowers 245 Youths In Host Communities

Published

on

Pix 3.) L-R; Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Ogun state Area Manager / Deputy Director, Funmi Coker, Dangote Cement PLC Ibese Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, Ogun state Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ganiyu Hamzat, Dangote Cement PLC Ibese Plant, General Manager, Human Assets Manager/ Admin, Abu Sufyan, One of the Beneficiaries, Sanusi Olanrewaju Adewunmi, receiving her Start-Up Pack and Certificate, During the Closing Ceremony of Dangote Cement Plc Ibese Plant, Host Communities Youths Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Program, held in Ibese Cement Plant Ogun state at the weekend.

No fewer than 245 youths from Dangote Cement Ibese Plant’s 16 host communities have been trained and empowered till date in different skills since the commencement of operations in Ibese with significant impact on the local economy.

This disclosure by the Plant’s Director, Azad Nawabuddin came just as the Ogun state government commended the organization for the economic value it has been adding to the people and government of the state.

Speaking in Ibese during the distribution of started packs for 30 trainees at the end of a three-month intensive tailoring and fashion designing training for youths from its host communities in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the Ibese plant Director said the training was in furtherance of the company’s Community Youth Empowerment programme designed to improve the economy of the local communities by making the able youths self-employed.

PDP accuses Ganduje of spending spree to make Kano bankrupt

According to Nawabuddin, the successful completion of the training programme marked another milestone in the journey of community investment by Dangote Cement Plc. with the cardinal objective of contributing towards long term improvement of the local communities by delivering and sustaining value to them.

He said “the thirty beneficiaries have joined the league of self-employed in our locality. These carefully selected male and female entrepreneurs have undergone intensive training in Tailoring and Fashion designing for three months, under the tutelage of the Industrial Training Fund and are receiving their certificates and startup packs, and by extension, their means of livelihood.

According to him; “this empowerment programme is another demonstration of the commitment of Dangote Cement Plc. Ibese Plant, to improving the social-economic condition of the neighbouring communities. We are committed to continuous implementation of impactful social investments that will eradicate poverty and improve the standard of living in our host communities.”

The Plant Director explained that the Dangote Cement, Ibese has carefully designed its youth empowerment scheme, knowing fully that Government and the private sector alone cannot meet fully the employment expectations of the youths, especially in a densely populated and youth dominated country like Nigeria.

#

“The most plausible alternative therefore, is for the youths to acquire adequate skills in various trades to become entrepreneurs and self-dependent. This programme is therefore timely and most auspicious as its intended impact cannot be overemphasized.”, he added.

The Dangote Cement boss recalled that that so far 245 youths from the Ibese Plant’s host communities have been trained and empowered in different skills since the commencement of operations in Ibese with significant impact on the local economy.

He stated that Dangote Cement did not just stop at training only but also providing the trainees with tailoring materials including machines and other materials needed for them to start off immediately and become their own boss. Quoting a Russian writer, Anton Chekhov, who once said ‘’knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice’’ Mr. Nawabuddin urged the graduands to make effective use of the great opportunity given to them to become entrepreneurs and by implication employers of labour by hitting the ground running.

“You should be focused and ensure you harness the full benefits of the skills gathered during the programme. The world is dynamic, I therefore urge you to always keep tab on latest developments in Tailoring and Fashion Designing to remain relevant for a long time to come and imbibe the spirit of continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning.

“Community Leaders and Representatives here present, I want to also congratulate you for selecting the best among your teeming youths for this programme, as reflected in the way and manner they comport themselves during the training. I urge you to continue to provide necessary support that will aid the growth of their trade as well as improvement of their lives and the society in general.

“At Dangote, we are committed to implementing more meaningful programmes that will uplift our people while hoping that you will reciprocate this good gesture by contributing your quota towards the good of the organization as well as ensuring peaceful co-existence.”

While presenting certificates to some of the trainees, the Ogun state Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Hamzat Ganiyu lauded Dangote Cement for its numerous programmes which have helped the state government’s policy on economic empowerment for the youths in the state.

He said the ball was now in the courts of the beneficiaries too turn the opportunities given them by Dangote Cement to be so trained and given machines to start off the business at once saying the Company has done all that is necessary to give the trainees and their immediate families a means of livelihood.

Hon. Hamzat called on other business organizations in Ogun state to emulate Dangote Cement and help reduce youth unemployment and poverty at the local community level through worthwhile social investments.

The state government he promised would continue to provide conducive environment for businesses to thrive as the private sector plays key role in the economic emancipation of the people of the state.

In her speech, the head of ITF, Abeokuta Area Office, Mrs. Funmi Coker congratulated the beneficiaries of the training programme saying they are lucky to be part of it as they now have a visible means of livelihood for themselves and their relations

She commended Dangote Cement for being a worthwhile partner which is desirous of impacting positively on the people in its host communities its and urged the youths to make use of the knowledge impacted unto them during the training more so when they have instrument to work with.

Business

Galaxy Backbone Unveils Ambitious 4-Year Digital Transformation Roadmap for Nigeria

Published

on

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Nigeria’s foremost digital infrastructure and services provider, has unveiled a bold and comprehensive four-year strategic plan (2025-2028) aimed at accelerating the integrated digital transformation Strategy (|DTS) plan for government and businesses in Nigeria.

This strategy is designed to enhance digital service delivery, strengthen connectivity, and support
Nigeria’s vision of a fully integrated digital economy.

Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, the strategy focuses on five core pillars that will drive efficiency innovation, and sustainability in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

Mr. Chidi Okpala Head, Corporate Communications in a statement said the first focuses on building a Resilient Digital Infrastructure; ensuring that govemment and businesses have access to secure, high-speed, and scalable digital platforms.

He said by building and maintaining a robust digital backbone, GBB aims to support the nation’s growing demand for seamless connectivity and data security.

He also said the second pillar, Integrated Digital Ecosystems; fosters coll aboration between
government, businesses, and local communities, creating a more connected Nigeria.

He however said, through this initiative, GBB seeks to break silos and establish a unified digital
experience that enhances communication, innovation, and service delivery.

He added that to meet the evolving demands of governance and business, the strate gy prioritizes Innovative Service Delivery; ensuring that digital solutions are tailored to address economic, social, and administrative needs.

“By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, GBB is committed to driving efficiency, economic growth, and improved public service delivery.”

“Now, recognizing the critical role of trust in the digital era, the fourth pillar of the strategy places a strong emphasis on Digital Leadership & Trust.

“GBB is dedicated to fostering a culture of cybersecurity transparency, and accountability, ensuring that Nigerias digital infrastructure is not only efficient but also secure and reliable.”

“To sustain long-term impact, the fifth pillar, Financial Sustainability; remains a key priority.”

According to him, by investing in innovative technologies and expanding its digital services, GBB aims to drive revenue growth while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all users.

He also maintained that at its core, this strategic roadmap is designed to enhance government efficiency, boost economic development, and improve the overall digital experience for Nigerians.

” So, as part of its commitment to achieving these goals, GBB is actively engaging with government agencies, private sector players, and international and local partners to foster collaboration and accelerate implementation.”

He pointed out that through strategic partnerships, the organization is poised to lead Nigeria into a new era of digital excellence, ensuring that businesses and government institutions alike are equipped for the future.

Galaxy Backbone, through its IDTS plan, remains steadfast in its mission to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation through world-class infrastructure, secure connectivity, and innovative solutions that power progress.

#
Continue Reading

Business

GBB to Train Over 300 Civil Servants on Govmail

Published

on

 

Abuja, Nigeria – Galaxy Backbone (GBB), the nation’s foremost digital infrastructure and services provider, is set to train over 300 civil servants, including Email Administrators and Heads of ICT, on the adoption, management, and administration of Govmail—the secure official email platform for Nigeria’s public sector. The training, which will be conducted in batches throughout the month of March 2025, aims to ensure maximum impact and effective knowledge transfer.

This initiative is in alignment with the Federal Government’s digitalisation agenda, which prioritizes secure, efficient, and technology-driven governance. By equipping civil servants with the necessary expertise to optimize Govmail, the government is ensuring seamless communication across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) while strengthening data security and operational efficiency.

Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, the Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation through innovative and secure technology solutions. “As the nation’s leading provider of digital infrastructure, GBB is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that government communications are secured, professional, and aligned with global best practices. This training will enhance civil servants’ ability to effectively utilize Govmail in carrying out their official responsibilities,” he stated.

The training is being conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), who has sent out a Circular to all MDAs informing them of this specialized training aimed at providing hands on experience with GOVMAIl features and ensure uniform adoption of and compliance with government approved digital communications standards. This further reinforces the government’s commitment to a digitally-driven public service. It would be recalled that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation recently described Govmail as a ‘game changer’ for government communication. This underscores the significance of the platform in enhancing inter-agency collaboration, data sovereignty, and information security across all MDAs.
Through this capacity-building initiative, GBB is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, ensuring that public sector professionals are well-equipped to harness the full potential of digital tools in their daily operations.

 

About Galaxy Backbone
Galaxy Backbone Ltd is a digital infrastructure and services company committed to providing secure and efficient digital solutions to support governance, service delivery, and national development for public and private sector organisatuons. GBB plays a critical role in the digitalisation of government processes, ensuring efficiency, security, seamless collaboration across MDAs and providing a platform for enabling digital services across corporate and public organisations.

#

Signed:
Chidi Okpala
Head, Corporate Communications

Continue Reading

Business

KEDCO Sees Improvement in Financial Performance Following Power Restoration, Appeals for Prompt Payment

Published

on

 

Kano Electricity Distribution Plc. (KEDCO) has reported steady improvements in financial and business performance following the restoration of power supply after a significant blackout during the September-October 2024 billing and collection cycle. This was disclosed in a press statement signed by Sani Bala Sani, Head of Corporate Communication at KEDCO.

According to Sani, the blackout had severely impacted KEDCO and three other distribution companies in the North East and North West regions, with KEDCO being the worst hit. “Recall that KEDCO, alongside three other distribution companies in the North East and North West had significant disruption to power supply in October, with KEDCO being the worst hit,” he stated.

The operations at KEDCO were initially affected on October 13th, 2024, with only 40% of their grid allocation being supplied after the Shiroro-Kaduna 330kV line incident. This situation was exacerbated by a total blackout on October 20th, 2024, during the peak of the revenue collection cycle. “Although the power supply was partially restored to a 40% level on 30th October, we were only availed with up to around 85% supply levels on November 14th and are anxiously awaiting the completion of the Shiroro-Kaduna repairs,” Sani explained.

The blackout resulted in KEDCO’s worst market performance of the year, posing significant financial and economic challenges for both KEDCO and its customers. “Having zero grid supply posed significant financial and economic challenges for KEDCO and its customers, with many customers resorting to costly backup sources or shutting down operations,” Sani noted.

Despite the challenges, KEDCO has seen improvements in power supply, which now stands at around 85%, leading to significant collections from last month’s arrears. Sani urged customers to cooperate by paying their current bills and outstanding arrears promptly to ensure business sustainability. “Thankfully, with the current power supply at around 85%, we have recorded significant collections from last month’s arrears and are appealing to our customers to continue to cooperate with us on prompt settlement of their current bills and arrears, for business sustainability,” he appealed.

#

Sani also commended the resilience of KEDCO’s customers and vowed to continue improving the performance in supplying safe and reliable electricity. “We commend the resilience of our customers and vow to continue to improve our performance in supplying them with safe and reliable electricity,” he said. He thanked the Honourable Minister of Power for his timely intervention and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for their restoration efforts. “We equally acknowledge TCN’s restoration efforts and appreciate the Federal Government’s commitment to helping improve the redundancy and safety of the National Grid,” he added.

Looking ahead, KEDCO’s core investor and Board remain committed to driving investments and improving performance through embedded generation supply options via the Safe Grid and Utility 2.0 projects. “It remains our core investor and Board’s resolve to continue to drive investments and improved performance through embedded generation supply options in our network via the Safe Grid and Utility 2.0 projects,” Sani stated.

 

Continue Reading

Trending